Crime
Columbia County deputy Brandon Sikes killed, another injured While Serving Protective Order
Both deputies were engaged in the service of the protective order to the suspect, later identified as James Blake Montgomery.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, two Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies were shot while attempting to serve a Temporary Protective Order.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:24 p.m. near Exit 194 on the westbound side of Interstate 20.
According to Columbia County investigators, Deputy Brandon Sikes was fatally shot during the encounter, while Deputy Gavin White sustained a gunshot wound to the face.
Both deputies were engaged in the service of the protective order to the suspect, later identified as James Blake Montgomery.
Following the shooting, Montgomery attempted to flee the scene in a recreational vehicle (RV).
His escape was halted when the RV was ensnared by a cable barrier on I-20. Law enforcement personnel from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol responded swiftly to the scene.
Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle confirmed on Sunday morning that Montgomery was found deceased inside the RV.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a cache of dangerous items, including pipe bombs, bomb-making materials, multiple firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, and several jars containing unidentified liquids.
Investigators also revealed that Montgomery was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of steroids.
Deputy White remains in critical condition but has been able to communicate with medical staff. Sheriff Whittle acknowledged that White faces a long and challenging recovery ahead.
Deputy Brandon Sikes is survived by his wife, Amber Sikes, who is also a member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing investigations, Interstate 20 near Exit 194 was closed in both directions for over nine hours.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the highway was reopened to traffic shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Crime
61-year-old Sharon killed by ex-boyfriend in Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium shooting, Craig Sipe charged with murder
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Craig Alan Sipe, 63, of Akron, has been charged with aggravated murder following a fatal shooting at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium on Sunday morning, October 18, 2026, according to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the fitness facility on 4th Street at approximately 9:30 a.m.
During the initial investigation, authorities determined that a 61-year-old woman had been shot and seriously injured.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from her injuries, police confirmed. Her name has not been officially released by authorities.
According to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect targeted one victim before fleeing the area. Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, although authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the circumstances that led to the violence.
Sipe, who is from Akron, later turned himself in to Cuyahoga Falls police. He was taken into custody and transported to the Summit County Jail.
Authorities have charged Sipe with one count of aggravated murder in connection with the woman’s death. He was expected to be arraigned on Monday, October 19, according to the information released about the case.
The charge represents an allegation, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
The Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium was closed following the shooting and was scheduled to remain closed through Monday, October 19, 2026, as the investigation continued.
Police have not released additional information about the events leading up to the shooting or the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Investigators said further details would be shared as they become available and when appropriate.
The City of Cuyahoga Falls also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones as they cope with the loss.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting. Authorities have not publicly released the victim’s identity, and additional details about the case remain limited.
The investigation is ongoing as officials work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.